Front Public Health. 2026 Jul 31;14:1876665. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1876665. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials across sectors. Medical students, as future prescribers, play a crucial role in combating AMR. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antimicrobial use and AMR among medical students and house surgeons in India.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students and house surgeons in Maharashtra, India, using a previously validated questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Data were analyzed using R statistical software. Descriptive statistics were used, and inferential analyses included chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Dunn’s post hoc tests, and Spearman correlation.
RESULTS: A total of 414 participants were included. The overall knowledge score was 69%, indicating moderate knowledge. While 90.1% recognized that AMR affects all age groups, only 52.7% were aware that resistant bacteria can spread between individuals, and 33.6% correctly understood that AMR results from microorganisms becoming resistant rather than the human body. Knowledge varied significantly across academic years (p < 0.001). More than 75% of participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward AMR as a major health threat; however, only 20.8% had received formal training on AMR. Regarding practices, 80.7% reported completing antibiotic courses, while 60.4% reported that they would avoid self-medication. Spearman correlation showed a positive association between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and weak negative correlations between knowledge and practice (r = -0.11, p = 0.03) and between attitude and practice (r = -0.10, p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights moderate knowledge, positive attitudes, and suboptimal practices regarding AMR among medical students. Significant gaps in formal training and understanding persist. Early integration of AMR education into medical curricula, along with training in rational prescribing, patient assessment, and antimicrobial stewardship, is essential to curb the development and spread of AMR.
PMID:42602016 | PMC:PMC13473186 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1876665
